Leeds United return to Premier League action on Saturday when they take on Aston Villa at Villa Park. Daniel Farke’s squad will turn focus back onto their survival bid having beaten Birmingham City last weekend to progress into the FA Cup fifth round, where they will face Norwich City.
Farke confirmed on Thursday he will be without Noah Okafor at Villa Park, with the winger set to miss two-to-four weeks with a hamstring injury picked up at Birmingham. The Leeds boss has welcomed Anton Stach, Pascal Struijk and Daniel James back into training, however, with no new fitness issues to report.
Those returning players will leave Farke with some big decisions to make heading into Saturday’s Villa Park clash. And ahead of that trip, the YEP has predicted how the Whites boss could line his side up.
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7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
Was brought on at half-time against Birmingham to give Leeds a foothold in the game, staking his claim as the most important part of Farke's side. Midfield will be a key battle zone on Saturday and the captain needs to be at his best. | Getty Images
8. CM: Ilia Gruev
Feels like a shoe-in based on recent form and what Leeds will need from their midfield on Saturday. A steady presence who, as shown against Forest, can be a little more progressive when needed. | Getty Images
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9. CM: Anton Stach
A second Leeds injury boost, with Stach also recovering from injury and available. With Noah Okafor injured, Farke could look to pack out the midfield and keep it tight away from home, at least for the first hour. | AFP via Getty Images
10. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Leeds aren't likely to have wanted to give the Swede a full 120-minute stint at Birmingham but the game demanded it. Has fortunately had a full week's rest so should be recharged and ready to go. | Getty Images
11. ST: Brenden Aaronson
Facundo Buonanotte's 45-minute showing at Birmingham only strengthened Aaronson's place in the starting-XI. Continues to impress and work-rate will be needed at a good Villa side. | Getty Images
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12. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Lukas Nmecha might have a goal involvement every 101 minutes this season but Calvert-Lewin is still the main man. The quality of his hold-up play will be crucial if Leeds are to get a result at Villa Park. | Richard Sellers/PA Wire